Lay Ecclesial Minister Certification
Overview of MCEA Certification
What does it mean to be certified by a diocese through the joint certification process sponsored by the dioceses in the state of
Minnesota?
A lay ecclesial minister serving as either a catechetical leader or youth ministry leader who has received certification has documented his or her attainment of a specified level of competence, ability, training, and/or preparation for his or her particular ministry. The individual’s competence has been evaluated, measured, and/or judged, relative to the established national certification standards and competencies for lay ecclesial ministers, through a peer review process. These national standards cover broad areas of ministerial competence, authoritatively identified by national professional ministry organizations as the norm by which an individual’s ministerial competence is assessed.
In light of the fact that lay ecclesial ministers in
Minnesota have completed various types of ministry education and formation, three categories related to the type of education received in preparing for ministry have been created. Each category of certification represents compliance with the five national standards and their competencies. However, the category denotes the type and level of education received by the Lay Ecclesial Minister (LEM). The three categories of certification and their explanations follow. The applicants for the first pilot group in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and
Minneapolis will be drawn from those who meet the requirements for Categories II and III.
What are the requirements for the various Certification Categories?
Category I: Practitioner Certification
The lay ecclesial minister has demonstrated competence in all of the five core standards and common competencies and in the corresponding specialized competencies for the specialization as a youth ministry leader or catechetical leader through participation in a ministry formation program sponsored by a diocese, independent organization, or institution of higher education.
Category II: Professional Certification
The lay ecclesial minister has demonstrated competence in all of the five core standards and common competencies and in the corresponding specialized competencies for specialization as a youth ministry leader or catechetical leader, through the attainment of a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree from an accredited college or university in a related field or the equivalency.
Category III: Master Certification
The lay ecclesial minister has demonstrated competence in all of the five core standards and common competencies and in the corresponding specialized competencies for the specialization as a youth ministry leader or catechetical leader, through the attainment of an advanced degree (master’s level or higher) from an accredited college or university in a related field or the equivalency.
What are the standards and competencies used in the MCEA certification process?
The common standards and specialized competencies for leaders in catechetical or youth ministry referenced in the certification process are those outlined in the National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers. These standards were approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Commission on Certification and Accreditation in 2003.
What does “Specialization as a
Youth Ministry Leader or Catechetical Leader” mean?
Lay ecclesial ministers receiving certification in one of the six arch/dioceses in
Minnesota can be certified in the ministry specialization of either youth ministry or catechesis by demonstrating competence in the national specialized competencies for youth ministry leaders or parish catechetical leaders. Persons demonstrating competence in both areas of specialization will receive dual certification.
Code of Ethics
All persons involved in the certification process are required to adhere to the MCEA Code of Ethics. The members are asked to uphold and adhere to the following principles and practices:
· Maintain confidentiality between members and individual applicants.
· Conduct all activities according to the highest moral, ethical, canonical, and legal standards, being mindful that both collective and individual commitment to ethical standards is absolute and must not be compromised.
· Maintain an environment that encourages frank and open communication.
· Respect policies and priorities of the six respective arch/dioceses.
· Understand the principles, dynamics, components, and content areas described in the catechetical and youth ministry ecclesial documents that guide the ministries certified.
· Show respect and reverence for all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status, age, or sexual orientation.
· Ensure quality ministry preparation rooted in authentic faith and practice and expressed in the competencies described in this certification process.
All persons involved in the leadership and administration of the certification will be given a copy of the code of ethics during training or orientation and asked to sign the code. The signed code of ethics will be kept on file by the appropriate organization (i.e. by the diocese the certification leader is serving within or by the MCEA if it is a state role.)
